A continuing community commitment

At Medical Mutual, we have a distinguished history of giving back. Since our company was founded 64 years ago, we’ve been a dedicated partner to community organizations and nonprofits.

Much of our presence in the community is due largely to the efforts of the employee volunteer committee, S.H.A.R.E., which stands for serve, help, aid, reach and educate. Each year, the group helps coordinate more than 25 events with the support of nearly half of the company’s 2,500 employees.

As a result, we help more than 200 organizations through thousands of volunteer hours and more than $1 million in charitable giving.

For the second year, S.H.A.R.E. held a number of fund-raising events, which raised $5,000 to fund the wish of a child with a life-threatening illness. To honor victims of the Sept. 11 tragedies, it organized a collection of groceries, clothing and shoes, household supplies, and office and paper products to benefit Providence House, a crisis nursery.

More than 160 employees raised $10,050 for Junior Achievement of Northeast Ohio to help expand its economic education and dropout prevention programs. Now, the committee is preparing for its annual Adopt-a-child program, through which employees will provide gifts for 200 children served by Applewood Centers.

I’m proud of my employees’ commitment and dedication to the community. This same commitment and dedication is present at many companies in Northeast Ohio, which is why we, along with Smart Business Network, created the Pillar Award for Community Service six years ago.

As you read the following pages, you’ll be amazed at the level of corporate philanthropy being plied in this region. Congratulations to the 2003 winners.

We thank you and the previous years’ winners for your outstanding volunteerism. Your contributions do make a difference, and you should be proud.

Kent Clapp is president and CEO of Medical Mutual of Ohio, founding sponsor of the Pillar Award for Community Service.